Apricot tree &#34;Jordanne&#34;

ABSTRACT

The present new and distinct variety of apricot tree has the following unique combination of desirable features that are outstanding in a new variety: 
     1. Large size of fruit throughout the tree. 
     2. Early maturity of the fruit. 
     3. Fruit with good handling and shipping quality. 
     4. Heavy and regular bearing of fruit. 
     5. Vigorous and semi-spreading growth. 
     6. Fruit with good flavor and eating quality. 
     7. Fruit having high soluble solids (14.0 Brix) with a good balance between sugar and acid.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of apricot tree was originated by us in theexperimental orchard, located near Modesto, Calif. as a first generationcross between a selected seedling and King Cot Apricot (non-patented).The selected seedling used as the female parent originated from a crossbetween Flaming Gold Apricot (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,822) and Gold KistApricot (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,826). A large group of these firstgeneration seedlings were planted and grown under careful observation byus: one such seedling, which is the present variety, having beenespecially desirable for its fruit quality and heavy production wasselected for asexual reproduction and commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

Asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of apricot tree wasperformed by budding in our experimental orchard located near Modesto,Calif. and shows that all characteristics of the tree and its fruit runtrue to form and are established and transmitted in succeedingpropagations.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of apricot tree is of large size, vigorous,semi-spreading in growth, and a regular and productive bearer of large,firm, yellow flesh, freestone fruit with good flavor and eating quality.The fruit is further characterized by its early maturity, the ability toship to long distance markets and when compared to Flaming Gold Apricot(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,822), the new variety has more uniform large sizefruit with greater production and matures approximately 12 days earlier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

Typical specimens are shown in the accompanying photographs of the fruitand foliage of our new variety of apricot tree. The upper and lowersurface of the leaves being illustrated, with an exterior view of thefruit and a fruit being divided on its suture plane to reveal fleshcoloration, showing a stone remaining in place. The photographs weretaken shortly after the fruit was picked at maturity (firm ripe) and thecolors are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a colorrepresentation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of our new variety ofapricot tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit as based on observations ofthe specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., with color terminology (exceptthose in common terms) in accordance with Reinhold Color Atlas by A.Kornerup and J. H. Wanscher.

Tree:

Size.--Large.

Vigor.--Vigorous.

Density.--Medium dense.

Growth.--Semi-spreading.

Production.--Productive.

Bearing.--Regular.

Trunk:

Size.--Stocky.

Surface.--Medium shaggy.

Color.--Grayish brown to brown (4-E-4) to (5-E-4).

Branches:

Size.--Medium.

Surface.--Smooth to medium rough.

Lenticels.--Numerous. Medium size.

Color.--Reddish brown to brown.

Leaves:

Size.--Large. Average length -- 51/4 to 5 7/8". Average width -- 21/2 to3".

Shape.--Ovate to orbicular.

Texture.--Smooth.

Margin.--Serrate.

Petiole.--Size -- large. Average length -- 13/4". Average width -- 1/16.

Glands.--Size -- small. Globose. Number varies from 0-4. Average number2. Located on upper portion of petiole and lower portion of leaf blade.

Color.--Upper surface -- green to dark green (27-E-7) to (27-F-7). Lowersurface -- green to grayish green (27-D-4) to (27-D-6).

Flower buds:

Size.--Medium.

Length.--Medium.

Shape.--Plump.

Flowers:

Blooming period.--Feb. 21, 1990 to Feb. 27, 1990. Varies with climaticconditions.

Size.--Large.

Color.--Pink -- fades to nearly white at petal fall.

Pistil.--Pubescent.

Pollen.--Present.

Fruit:

Maturity when described.--Firm ripe.

Date of first picking.--May 19, 1990.

Date of last picking.--May 24, 1990.

Size.--Large. Average diameter axially -- 2" to 21/4". Averagetransversely in suture plane -- 2" to 21/4". Average diameter measuredat right angles to suture plane -- 2" to 21/4".

Form.--Nearly globose, slightly larger on one side, flattened at base.

Suture.--Usually pronounced extends from base to apex.

Ventral surface.--Nearly rounded, slightly lipped at stem end.

Cavity.--Rounded to slightly elongated in suture plane. Average depth --1/4". Average breadth -- 3/8".

Base.--Retuse, slightly more flattened on the side opposite the suture.

Apex.--Rounded to slight depression, usually on side opposite thesuture.

Skin:

Thickness.--Medium.

Texture.--Medium -- tenacious to flesh.

Down.--Scant, very short.

Tendency to crack.--Very little.

Color.--Apricot yellow to yellowish orange (6-A-4) to (6-A-7). Slightreddish orange blush (7-A-5) to (7-A-6) on fruit exposed to sun.

Flesh:

Ripens.--Evenly.

Texture.--Firm.

Fiber.--Few, small, tender.

Aroma.--Pronounced.

Flavor.--Good, mild, subacid.

Eating quality.--Good.

Juice.--Moderate.

Color.--Golden yellow to light orange (6-A-5) to (6-A-7).

Stone:

Type.--Freestone.

Size.--Medium. Average length -- 11/8". Average width -- 1". Averagethickness --1/2".

Form.--Ovoid.

Base.--Varies from straight to rounded.

Apex.--Varies from rounded to slight point.

Sides.--Equal to unequal.

Surface.--Pitted throughout, slightly deeper toward side.

Ridges.--Two distinct ridges across surface on opposite sides of sutureplane.

Tendency to split.--None.

Color.--Brown to light brown (6-C-6) to (6-D-5).

Use: Dessert.

Market.--Local and long distance.

Keeping quality: Good.

Shipping quality: Good.

The new apricot tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit herein describedmay vary in slight detail due to climatic, soil conditions and culturalpractices under which the variety may be grown; the present descriptionis that of the variety grown under the ecological conditions prevailingnear Modesto, Calif.

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of apricot tree, substantiallyas illustrated and described, which is of large size, vigorous,semi-spreading in growth and a productive and regular bearer of large,firm, yellow flesh, freestone fruit with good flavor and eating qualityand the ability to ship to long distance markets; the new variety isfurther characterized when compared to Flaming Gold Apricot (U.S. PlantPat. No. 2,822) as having greater production and being approximately 12days earlier in maturity.